1. Christianity involves activitya. Some of that activity involves "working together" with other Christiansb. Each Christian needs to understand the importance of our collective work2. Sadly, many Christians live as though they believed in "solo Christianity"...That being a Christian involves minimal involvement with the local congregationa. They act like "independent" Christians - aloof, isolated, solitaryb. The congregation's work becomes "what they are doing down there..."(instead of what "we" are doing)3. The consequences of "solo Christianity" are dangerous...a. Such as inactivity, unhappiness, spiritual stagnation, etc.b. Recent studies suggest that people without active involvement in a church are morelikely to have weakened immune systems,therefore more likely to get sickc. The bottom line is that Christians rarely survive spirituallyapart from their proper relationship with other Christiansd. Like a glowing ember removed from the fire of which it is a part...it soon cools and dies (while the other embers remain hot)[Of course, it is not God's intention that this happen.That is why one significant of being a Christian is that we are "Connected To Other Christians".]A. THE “TOGETHER” ASPECT OF LIFE IN CHRIST ILLUSTRATIONS OF TOGETHERNESS...1. One illustration is that of "fellowship"Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Jn. 1:3,7We work together as we extend "the right hand of fellowship" - Gal. 2:9-The idea is that we share together in the work and rewards of Christian life2. Another illustration is that of "brotherhood" - 1 Pet. 2:17a. In Christ, we enjoy a family relationship - Mk 3:31-35b. We are the "house" or "family" of God – Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15-The Christian needs to have a "family" consciousness about other Christians3. One more illustration is that of "membership" - 1 Co 12:27a. The church is Christ's "body" – Eph. 1:22-23b. Christians are "members of one another – Rom. 12:5c. As members of the body, there are "corporate" (Latin "corpus" means "body") responsibilitiesd. Body members are functionally interdependent 1) Not all members have the same function - Ro 12:3-82) If the body (and its members) is to grow, each membermust contribute – Eph. 4:16There are not "vestigial" organs or "decorative" parts;no useless or unimportant membersB. THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL CHURCH "MEMBERSHIP"...1. The "local" church is different from the "universal" churcha. "The church" of Christ universally is the sum of all Christians – Matt. 16:18b. "A church" of Christ locally is a specific group of Christians who functiontogether as a congregation - Acts 14:23; 1 Cor. 1:22. One is "added" by the Lord Himself to the "universal" churchupon obedience to the gospel - Acts 2:41,47-The idea of becoming a Christian and never a part of a local congregation is foreign to the Scriptures!3. Christian are obligated to participate in the life of afaithful congregation, whenever possiblea. Participation in the fellowship with other Christians is not optional - 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6b. Much of what a Christian is to do is "for the common good - 1 Cor. 12:7 (NASV)The main idea is that as Christians we have responsibilities to other Christians,in Christ we are truly "Connected To Other Christians".

connected, and who are your connections. Being connected is not enough,

what matters most is a healthy relationship that rooted in our love to God

and love to others.

1. Get Connected to God… How can you connect yourselves to God?

A. It all started when we realized that we are sinners and we need a savior.

B. when you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul & mind.

C It is a lifetime commitment of relationship and service to God.

2. Get Connected to the Family… Do you have a healthy relationship?

A. It is the oldest institution in the world & the backbone of civilization.

B. You need to know your role in the family (husband, wife and children).

C. Commitment to each other, and prioritize your family & their needs.

3. Get Connected to the Community… What is your good contribution?

A. It begins when you love your neighbor as yourself.

B. Observe the local and the national ordinance.

C Always observe the “Golden Rule” (Matt. 7:12).

Lastly, are you sure that you are connected to God? Are you sure that you are connected and have a good relationship to your family? Are you sure that you are a good example and have a good contribution your community? If Not, follow this simple steps and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

November 16, 2008 is another milestone for the Gumaoc Brethren. It was the day the first North Area 1 cluster Women Fellowship was held. A history that will enter to the book of Church of Christ at Gumaoc. I remember during the meeting at Pangarap Church of Christ that Ptr. Doods (Gumaoc Church of Christ hardworking Pastor) suggested to the women of Gumaoc to take the opportunity to host the first Women Fellowship. As always, Ptr. Doods has the right inkling of what is best for Gumaoc Church of Christ.

That first fellowship will be a model for the next fellowship. It will be the starting point from here on. Local church that will host the next fellowship has a model to look into. They will surely try to improve what had been done at Gumaoc and they must. It is always God desire that Christians should learn from the first, that we should not be stagnant, that we should keep on moving forward. Now the task is at Francisco Homes Church of Christ (Host of the second Fellowship on January 2009).

We will always remember that moment where the Elders and Deacons hand in hand prepared, served the food and assisted the women of Gumaoc. It is a something to cherish, something worth copying. As Ptr. Doods mentioned, it is the time to show that Elders support the women of the Church, and that even we are used of seeing the women of the Church supporting the Elders, there are times that it is proper for the Elders to take the back seat and support the Women of the Church as what happened in this fellowship.

Even our Ptr. took the back seat and became for a moment the official photographer. He moves swiftly from the front to the back and to the registration boot, capturing the moment of every events. I’m sure those pictures will be very important in the next years to come.

Our Deacons (Bros. Ronald and Louie), I discovered are good cook. Bro. Jerson, another Deacon, I realized can be a waiter in his own right preparing and serving juice. Bro. Fred and Bro. Rolly are at there best in assisting our cook and in serving the food.

The children were also a big help, in one fleeting moment, I have observed that with proper training and right model that children can be very effective. Ptr. Doods was right, these kids with proper guidance will grow and mature as model Christians.

The youth took the chance to decorate, what an efficiency to behold. They also have fellowship to be done at Pangarap Church of Christ but before going there, in unison the youth finished the decoration of the Church.

I had been amazed by the strong unity and cooperation of Gumaoc brethren, but I continue to feel that every time we have an activity, this fellowship is again a display of strong unity, bonding and fellowship for the women of Gumaoc. With Sis Glo (DORCAS Chairwoman), Sis Emma, Sis Vilma, Sis Cherry, Sis Peachy, Nanay Merlyn, every body, they displayed something worth remembering in a fellowship, that is togetherness…

Brethren from the local Churches came even before the 2:00 pm date time. Once again, the women of every local Churches proved that when it comes to activity for the Lord, they moved in unison. Pangarap was the first one to arrived, followed by Tala. Then everybody come in cluster, Villanova, ALMAR, Francisco and Palmera. They extend greetings and rendered special number. They were very active in “Getting to know you” portion. Seeing them communicating with each other, smiling, embracing and showing the feeling of oneness will give you a strong proof of the beauty of being a Christian.

ROCK Mission Pastors were also there to support (Ptr. Doods of the Host Church, Ptr. Ariel of Pangarap, Ptr. Ijit and Bro. Benny of Villanova, Ptr. Fred of Francisco Homes and Ptr. Angie of Palmera). Ptr. Ijit (Chairman of ROCK MISSION) took the opportunity to explain the ROCK MIssion mandate and promote the December 13, 2008 “Grand Fellowship.”

First Women Rock Mission Fellowship was a huge success. We praise and thank God for this wonderful work and blessings!

November 9, 2008 is a day to remember for the Brethren of Gumaoc. God extended His arms and blessed Gumaoc Church of Christ. A wonderful day and a wonderful event. Early in the morning everybody is busy from the Pastor and all the members of the Church participated in a worthy event, Gumaoc 22nd anniversary. Ptr. Doods and other brethren have arranged everything even before the anniversary, but God is so good that He always prepares something to do for the Christians, so they will never be stagnant. From the opening prayer, opening song, praise and worship songs and the message, everything is in harmony with God’s plan. I believe that Nov. 9 is a wonderful day for God. Brethren have anticipated this event long before during the preparation. Except for minor lapses, which can be corrected in the future and a learning process for us, we sang praises to God that He gave us the chance to be a part of this worthy celebration. Visitors came and celebrate with us. I could not imagine that our small building can fit more than 200 warm bodies inside. Every Sunday, as I attend our worship service, I thought that 100 people is too much for our small church building, but that day (November 9) God is so mighty that 200 bodies were even less to fill the Church.

I believe that day, the congregation was able to experienced the true worship. God is so good that from the kids, youth, men’s number, the context of the message were transferred and translated to one soul. The message focusing on “Get Connected, to God…family and community” delivered by our Pastor imparts inner peace, joy and assurance that we are rightfully connected to one thrue God. Being part of the congregation and hearing the message gave us a realization that we are connected to God and we need always maintain our connection with our family and at the same time, do our best to connect with the community. We learned, accepted and we conclude that we should continue to obey the words of God. All the activities resulted in one ultimate goal, soul conversion and acceptance of God. One soul (Sis Zoraida Liban) accepted God as her King and Savior. we are sure, all the angels in heaven are singing praises to God for this wonderful work.

Music ministers are at their best elements. Bro. Ronald (Song Leader) as always is so energetic. The back ups singers were also at their best. God is so good. The songs ” Ating Paninindigan, Still… and all other songs lifted our praises to Almighty God. I’m sure for a long time the melody will remain… I wish we could have add one song “The Heart of Worship”, I had suggested that before, but maybe…

From our earlier estimates, we will probably total more or less 150 person during the anniversary. So, we prepared enough food for that number. God brought a lot of visitors, but He also provided us enough food to share. The food for the 150 was able to feed more than 200 hungry bodies. I could attest to that because my wife (Sis Glo), our Pastor (Ptr. Doods Agravante) and one of our elder (Bro. Fred) were the last one to eat.

From the opening prayer, song of praise and worship, special numbers, message… we will always thank God He made us a believer and part of His body at Gumaoc Church of Christ. His works that day (November 8, 2008) will always be part of us…

Last Friday (November 7, 2008), Gumaoc Church of Christ conducted “Fellowship through Prayer.” The said activity is one of the scheduled activities before the 22nd Anniversary of Gumaoc Church of Christ. During the fellowship, Ptr. Doods reminded the brethren the importance of devotional prayer and the power of prayer. He reiterated that we are strongly linked to God through our prayers. He encourages everybody to have devotional prayer in the family and if possible to have prayer partner. He rationalized that one of the reason why Christians are very slow in growing is because of the lack of prayer habit. Every prayer meeting, Ptr. Doods always reminds everybody the power of prayer. Last Friday was no different, he went to add that apart from the personal prayer that we have, it is very very important to pray for the following:

Pray for believers to experience true worship (Romans 12:1-2). Ptr. Doods said that Pastors almost always prepare for their message but some of the believers sometimes failed to experience true worship because they are not preparing themselves to receive the message. He said that as we worship, we need to ready ourselves, from the clothes we are to wear, time of coming to church, hearing the message and we even need to respect to the one delivering the message. We should understand that Pastors delivering the message labored for it. We need to listen/focus on the message. He urges everybody to pray for preparation before hearing the message. He strongly emphasized that worship starts at home even before the Church service started.

Pray the believers will know, accept, and obey the word of God (Jn. 10:27). Ptr. Doods adds that it is important that we know the word of God, but much more important is accepting it and applying it in our lives. That is the ultimate goal of evangelism.

Pray for unity in the church (Eph. 4:3). Ptr. Doods time in again is reminding everybody that believers belong to one body and for the body to move and act efficiently, parts of the body should move in unison. It means there must be unity. Arguments, deliberation are part of a growing church but the bottom line is having one decision. Every believers should pray for unity of the church.

Pray for souls to be won for Christ (Mt. 9:37-38). Ptr. Doods said that all the things we are doing, the church activities like prayer meeting, evangelism, sharing and fellowship have one ultimate goal, that is to bring soul for Christ.

Pray for joy in the hearts and lives of the believers (Phi. 4:4-6). Every believers should experience joy in their heart. We should enjoy our life as Christian knowing that we have one God we could always rely in times of our needs.

Finally, Ptr. Doods informed the Brethren that through prayer, we can transform the church and help to reach it’s full potential.